Delicious & Nutritious Meals for Aging Adults with Diabetes

By Rick Cohen, 9:00 am on August 18, 2017

Diabetes is a growing concern among the senior population, and around 25 percent of Americans over the age of 65 currently have this condition. Even though the symptoms can be overwhelming, many seniors are able to stop the progression of diabetes or reverse it entirely with their dietary habits. Here are a few delicious and healthy recipes for seniors who are ready to take control of their health.

Orzotto

This Italian dish is similar to risotto, but made with pearl barley instead of white rice. Barley is low on the glycemic index, which means it won’t cause blood sugar spikes. It also aids in digestion because it is high in fiber. Orzotto can be flavored with herbs or produce, including dried mushrooms, onions, cumin, peppers, tomatoes, thyme, basil, and cardamom.

If your aging loved one needs help with meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, consider hiring a dedicated caregiver. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same in-home care services. Milwaukee families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Baked Chicken and Chutney

Seniors who have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes should avoid fried meats. Whenever meat is cooked in oil, it increases the amount of sodium, fat, and carbohydrates in the dish. Baked chicken is a great source of protein, and it tastes almost identical to fried chicken when cooked correctly. Chutney is a spicy and healthy condiment that adds deep flavors to almost all meat dishes.

Red Beans and Quinoa

Quinoa is another great substitute for white rice, and it turns this popular dish into a complete source of protein without the extra carbohydrates. Red beans and quinoa can be cooked all day in a slow cooker with a few basic ingredients, including garlic, thyme, bell peppers, celery, and onions. The red beans are an excellent source of protein, calcium, fiber, iron, and folate.

If you are unable to assist your elderly loved one with meal preparation on a regular basis, consider hiring a respite caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Milwaukee, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Overnight Oats

One of the best ways to keep insulin levels steady throughout the day is to start with a healthy breakfast. Overnight oats are prepared the evening before they are eaten. They can be made by combining low-fat yogurt, rolled oats, frozen berries, and cinnamon in a glass dish. Many diabetes specialists consider oats to be a superfood because they are filled with nutrients that reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

Diabetic seniors might have a difficult time satisfying their sweet tooth. Most processed treats are packed with ingredients that could cause severe blood sugar fluctuations. This banana cream pie smoothie gets its flavor and texture from healthier ingredients such as nonfat milk, fresh bananas, low-fat yogurt, graham cracker crumbs, and a few dashes of vanilla extract. When all the ingredients are blended together, this dessert tastes almost identical to a traditional ice cream smoothie.

Gazpacho

Very few dishes are as nutrient-dense as gazpacho, and the journal Nutrition, Metabolism,& Cardiovascular Diseases claims it is one of the healthiest meals for diabetics and those who have high blood pressure. Gazpacho is made from just five or six ingredients, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This dish also contains carotenoids that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.

These tasty recipes are great for any time of day and won’t interfere with your senior loved one’s balanced diet. Consider hiring a live-in caregiver if your loved one requires assistance preparing nutritious meals or managing other day-to-day tasks. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Milwaukee, Wisconsin, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. For reliable in-home care services, contact Home Care Assistance at (262) 782-3383.